Residential Tenancies Act Changes

Changes in the laws behind the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) mean that most rental properties must have the following by 1 July 2019:
  • Ceiling insulation
  • Underfloor insulation

Beginning 1 July 2016, every new tenancy agreement must declare the level of insulation in both the ceiling and underfloor.
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How much insulation is enough?

  • If existing ceiling and underfloor insulation meets the 1978 standard and is in reasonable condition (no gaps, no dampness, adequate depth) then no further insulation is required – if it doesn’t, you’ll need to upgrade.
    • The 1978 requirements are an R-value of 1.9 in the ceiling and an R-value of .9 underfloor.
    • Generally speaking, the best way to determine if your existing insulation is adequate is a visual check - if you can see the vertical sides or the top of the joists, your insulation should be upgraded.
  • If your property has no ceiling or underfloor insulation as of 1 July 2016, it will need to be insulated to today's building code standards: an R-value of 3.3 in the ceiling and 1.9 underfloor. Retrofitting an uninsulated property to 1978 standards is NOT permissable.
In this roof cavity, the vertical sides and tops of the joists are exposed; this insulation is inadequate and needs a top-up.
(Photo: Paul Coviello)

Help! I'm just not sure how much my property has...

The Healthy Rentals Certification Programme from the Community Energy Network  is a straight forward way of ensuring compliance with the new requirements under the Residential Tenancies Act. A single visit from a qualified assessor can:
  • Quickly and easily check your rental property and either issue a certificate of compliance straight away or give you the information you need to fix any issues. 
  • Give you advice regarding any subsidies available to you that will make the fix cheaper.
  • Talk to your tenants to ensure they understand how the house works so they can keep it is as dry and warm as possible, which means they stay healthy and your investment is protected.
Book your assessment online today.
Alternatively, many installers will offer assessments of your property's insulation for free or at a low-cost. This can also give you the information you need to put on your future tenancy agreements in terms of current depth and condition of any existing insulation.

The following are EECA-approved installers operating in the Otago region. These are presented for your information but do not constitute an endorsement by Cosy Homes. In alphabetical order: 
  • Aotearoa Insulation, (03) 488 4705
  • Ellis Fibre/Technobond*, (03) 476 4221 or 0800 55 88 22
  • Salmac Insulation, (03) 477 3590
  • Smart Energy Solutions*, 0800 888 766

*these installers have access to EECA subsidies for qualifying rental homes. See below for more information.

Subsidised Insulation Programme

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), along with local  funders (Otago Community Trust, Dunedin City Council and Cosy Homes), have teamed up to bring a subsidised insulation programme to Otago for qualifying rental households. 

Under this programme:
  • 75% of the cost of insulating the ceiling and underfloor is paid for by the government partners. 
  • The landlord is responsible for paying the remaining 25%.
  • An approved service provider must be used. 
Households may be eligible if:
  • The house was built before the year 2000 and
  • The main tenant has a Community Services Card or
  • The tenant has a respiratory condition and their income is just over the CSC eligibility level or
  • The tenant has a referral from the Ministry of Health's Healthy Homes programme.

If you think your tenant and property qualify, contact one of the two service providers listed above, or leave a message on 03 425 7878.